Jake (Immortals of New Orleans #8)(44)

Kai sighed in relief as Tabitha scurried out into the hallway and down the steps. She crossed the room and shut the door, locking it. Laying the back of her head against it, she took a deep breath, attempting to control her anger. Her skin crawled and she blinked, confused as to what was happening. Samantha had been right. She was going to shift soon. She could feel her beast scratching, tearing to be loose. Kai was terrified, afraid she wouldn't be able to command the winged creature.

Her reaction to Tabitha had been visceral, and while she knew it was impossible for Jake to be her mate, her heart and soul told her otherwise. Kai's heart crushed as she reflected on his unforgettable touch. No man had ever made love to her the way he had, teasing her to orgasm, driving her to madness. But she questioned her intense reaction to the Alpha. They'd only known each other for two days. None of it made sense. Kai had always been told by the Elders that she couldn't mate, yet she wondered if the witch was correct, if she belonged to a master.

As she crossed to the bathroom, she swallowed the lump in her throat, telling herself to rein in her feelings for Jake. No matter what she'd just told Tabitha, there was no future with the wolf. Pixiu do not mate. It will never work. Forget it. Just get the Kris, find Shilan. Whether she had a master, as the witch foretold, remained to be seen. But for tonight, she would focus all her energy on obtaining the Kris.

She glanced to the bed, scattered with clothing, and set her thoughts onto tonight. Although the outfits weren't her usual taste, she'd play the part, do whatever she had to do to get her sister. She prayed Jonathon didn't push her. If he did so, she feared her beast would emerge and kill.





As Kai descended the stairs, both Jake and Quintus waited in the foyer. At the sight of the masculine Alpha, she forced her pulse to relax, drawing deep silent breaths. Dressed in black leather pants and a tight fitted shirt, Jake's dominating presence commanded her attention. His seductive blue eyes penetrated her soul as they locked on hers, and her beast sat waiting for his direction.

She gave him a nod, and stepped into the light. Her cheeks flushed as Jake's stare turned heated, and she averted her gaze, all too aware of her revealing clothing. The bustier and long transparent lace skirt fit perfectly, the thigh-high boots clinging to her legs like a second skin. Her silky raven hair trailed down her back, brushing over her shoulders.



       
         
       
        

"You look stunning," he told her.

"Thank you," she replied. Kai was afraid to meet his gaze, terrified she'd run into his arms. Determined to erect a wall and seal her emotions away, she focused on Quintus. "Is it still all right for us to go?"

"If you mean, 'is Kade okay with it?', then yes. But pet, Jonathon's volatile. There is no telling what he wants in exchange for the Kris."

"We don't even know he has it," Jake said.

"I need you both to know that if something bad happens tonight, I think … I can't be sure, but I'm afraid I might shift. My beast. It wants out. I could lose control. It's only a matter of time."

"You will need your master," Quintus commented, brushing lint from his lapel.

Kai glared at him at the mention of the word. "Whatever will be will be. But I'm telling you … this thing inside me. She wants … " She wants her Alpha. "She wants her freedom."

"If you shift, you will control it," Jake told her, confidence in his voice.

"You're a wolf. You don't know what will happen to me. Have either of you actually ever seen one? Anything could happen," she challenged them.

"I've seen pixiu," Quintus said, his words barely audible.

"What?" Kai asked, shocked at his claim.

"I have seen her. I've known her master. You will learn. Together you will learn." His eyes flickered red, then settled quickly back to their amber hue. Sadness flashed over his face, his lips drawn tight.

"Now wait a damn minute, Quint. You can't just tell me after all this time you've seen one," Jake said, his eyes wide.

"I have. And I've just provided you both with the information I'm willing to share. There is nothing more."

"And the Kris?" she asked.

"I do not know of its existence but there are many things in this world that reveal themselves in due time. Perhaps this is one of them. If it doesn't exist, we will find another way to keep you safe."

"Damn straight about that. Look, it's almost ten o'clock and it's going to take some time to get there." Jake approached Kai, his eyes on hers. "We'll talk about this later. Let's go."